"I'm sorry, Ash…" Delia's voice was soft and regretful. "If I hadn't been so stubborn at first about you joining the Pokémon Summer Camp, maybe… maybe you could've gone to Kalos."
Ash smiled faintly and shook his head. "It's fine, Mom. Really."
"You already did more than enough—signing me up for Professor Oak's Summer Camp and supporting my dream to become a Pokémon Trainer… that alone makes me happy."
He meant it.
And truthfully, he was even relieved. If he'd gone to Kalos, then he wouldn't have met her.
Between exploring another region early and meeting Serena, there was no contest. His heart had already chosen.
Of course, the original Ash might have gone for the adventure without thinking twice. But this Ash—the one who carried memories of a previous life—knew what truly mattered.
Delia sighed softly in relief and hugged him close. "You really are my good boy, Ash. You've been blessed with extraordinary powers—Aura and the Viridian Gift. I just want to make sure I never become the reason you fall behind your potential."
Ash felt her warmth surround him, the scent of her hair and the sound of her heartbeat wrapping around his small frame. His throat tightened slightly.
"Mom…" He looked up at her, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "Thank you."
He wasn't the real Ash Ketchum—not the one born in this world. Yet, as Delia held him, he couldn't stop the wave of gratitude and guilt that rose in his chest.
In his previous life, he'd been alone—an orphan who never had someone to hold him like this. To care for him, worry for him, love him this way.
He took a deep breath.
In his heart, he made a vow—not just to his mother in this life, but to the Ash whose life he'd inherited.
"I'll make your dream come true. I'll become a Pokémon Master… and I'll protect her smile along the way."
Delia ruffled his hair with a soft smile. "Silly boy, there's no need to thank me. We're family, remember? Family doesn't need 'thank yous.'"
Ash nodded, his eyes glistening. "Mm-hm."
But inside, he made another promise. When I start my journey, I won't leave Mom all alone like before. I'll call her every few days, send gifts from every region I visit… and I'll make sure she has a Pokémon to protect her.
He smiled to himself at the thought. And I'll make sure that Mime Jr. doesn't just wander in on its own this time.
Delia clapped her hands suddenly. "Oh, that's right! There's something else I forgot to tell you!"
Ash blinked. "Mom, please—don't give me a heart attack again."
She laughed awkwardly. "This time it's really important!"
She leaned closer, eyes sparkling. "Because this Summer Camp is a joint event between Kanto and Kalos, Professor Oak and Professor Sycamore decided to make the rewards more… special."
Ash tilted his head. "Special? How special?"
Delia grinned from ear to ear. "For the top three campers—the League will allow you to choose not only from Kanto's starters… but also from Kalos's!"
"WHAT?!"
Ash's eyes flew wide open. For a brief second, his composure completely shattered.
"You mean… the top three campers can choose between Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, or… Fennekin, Chespin, and Froakie?!"
"That's right!" Delia said proudly, nodding. "Those were their names—what smart boy you are, Ash!"
She giggled and reached out to pinch his cheek again.
Ash reflexively dodged but wasn't quick enough. "Mom, please, not again! My face is already red from last time!"
"Sorry, sorry!" she said quickly, clasping her hands and sticking out her tongue playfully. "You're just too cute! I can't help it!"
Ash sighed but smiled. "Okay, fine… I'll forgive you this time. But seriously, that's amazing news."
This changed everything.
If he could win this Summer Camp, not only could he legally own Pokémon before ten, he'd also get access to Kalos starters—Pokémon that weren't even available in Kanto.
His mind immediately began calculating. If I can win first place, I could build a team even stronger than the original Ash ever had…
"Mom," he said quickly, "that's all the information, right? Nothing else you forgot?"
Delia put a finger to her chin, pretending to think. "Hmm… well, now that you mention it…"
Ash stared at her suspiciously. "Don't tell me you actually did forget something again."
"Aha… maybe just a tiny detail!" she laughed nervously.
Ash sighed. "Mom…"
"Alright, alright!" she said quickly. "Professor Oak told me that the students who chose to go to the Kalos camp already left on a flight this afternoon. And the students from Kalos who signed up to attend our Kanto Summer Camp have already landed!"
"They arrived at Saffron City's international airport earlier today and will be taking a bus to Pallet Town tomorrow morning."
Ash's eyes widened. "Tomorrow morning…?"
Delia nodded. "Mhm! Since the camp officially starts in three days, those Kalos kids will be staying with local families who are also hosting Kanto campers."
Ash froze. His heartbeat quickened.
Kalos students. Arriving tomorrow. Staying with families in Pallet Town.
That could only mean one thing.
She was coming.
Serena.
His mind flashed with the image of a girl with chestnut hair and gentle blue eyes—the girl from his memories, from the "original story."
A slow smile spread across his lips.
"So it's finally happening…" he whispered, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "The girl from Kalos… she's coming here."
Pallet Town was about to become the meeting point of two worlds.
The future champion, and the girl who would one day cheer for him—both standing at the starting line of their destinies.
And Ash Ketchum was ready.
…
…