As the morning light descended gently over the clearing, Ash and the team finished their breakfast.
This time, however, it was a little different.
Perched comfortably on Ash's shoulder was their unexpected guest. The little Ralts blinked softly, her red eyes calm and curious as she used her psychic ability to guide small bits of food toward herself. She ate quietly, making tiny, adorable sounds, occasionally rubbing her cheeks against Ash's neck as if expressing her gratitude for the meal.
Ash smiled faintly at the sensation.
Once she was done, the little Pokémon let out a small burp.
Ash glanced sideways. "Full already?"
"Lau~" Ralts replied cheerfully, swaying slightly.
Ash chuckled and stood up to wash the dishes. Nearby, Pidgeotto fluttered down, circling Ralts curiously before hopping around her. Ralts didn't shy away—she looked perfectly content, naturally blending into the group as if she had always belonged there.
Ash had no intention of catching her.
Maybe because of that very thought, Ralts felt no pressure from him at all.
She did, however, keep a careful distance from Misty and the others, hiding behind Ash whenever they got too close.
"Ash… Can we just hold her?" Yellow asked, her cheeks puffed slightly as she stared at Ralts with obvious longing.
Ash glanced at Ralts, then at the girls. "She's not my Pokémon, so I can't decide for her. But I'm pretty sure if you tone down that greedy look, she'll come over on her own."
Misty, Elsa, and Yellow all froze.
"…Alright~" they replied in unison, defeated.
Not long after, Ash packed up and prepared to leave. At that moment, Ralts suddenly teleported—reappearing right back on his shoulder. She looked at him expectantly, eyes bright, clearly asking to come along.
"You want to travel with me?" Ash asked calmly. "That's fine."
He didn't reach for a Poké Ball. Seeing her discomfort around them, he chose not to force anything. Tagging along was enough for now.
Ralts brightened instantly, rubbing her cheeks against him in delight.
"Pika~"
Pikachu hopped up beside her, chirping happily. To Ralts, Pikachu felt like a dependable older brother, warm and reassuring. Pidgeotto joined in with a proud chirp from above, Riolu walked closer with quiet interest, Froakie gave a small greeting hop, and Butterfree fluttered gently around her.
The entire team welcomed her.
Amid the laughter, Ralts finally relaxed enough to teleport onto Misty's shoulder, then Yellow's, giving each a gentle pat as if to say she didn't mind anymore. The girls froze in surprise—then softened immediately.
"She can sense emotions…" Yellow murmured, realising how overwhelmed they must have felt earlier.
Feeling a bit guilty, the girls quickly brought out snacks to make up for it. Ralts accepted them happily, smiling so brightly it made all three of them melt. In just one morning, the little Ralts had become the centre of attention.
More surprisingly, she seemed very familiar with the forest.
Guided by her subtle movements and instincts, their pace improved dramatically. Paths that would've taken hours were crossed in far less time. By late afternoon, the trees began to thin once more.
Ash climbed a nearby tree and scanned the distance. "There," he said.
Beyond the forest's edge lay Pewter City.
At first, the girls were barely holding themselves together from exhaustion—but the moment they heard the words "city" and "shower," something ignited.
They moved. Fast. By the time they reached the city entrance, energy surged through them like they had just been refueled.
Cameras, lights, and voices greeted them immediately.
"Welcome to the World Championship, trainers."
"The City of Rock—Pewter City—is known for its famous Rock-type Gym. Just today, thirteen trainers challenged the gym."
"For beginners, the gym offers normal and elite challenges. Of the thirteen who chose the Elite challenge, twelve were defeated."
"Only one challenger—from Pallet Town—was able to claim victory."
"Reporting live from Pewter City."
Ash slowed his steps slightly as he listened. Media crews were everywhere. Screens showed highlights, commentators analyzed battles, and banners announcing the World Championship hung across the streets. This wasn't just a gym challenge anymore.
Ash headed for the Pokémon Center first, planning to settle things before night fully set in. The moment he stepped inside, he realised just how crowded it was. Trainers filled nearly every corner, voices overlapping as status updates, battle results, and plans for tomorrow echoed through the hall.
At the counter, he noticed a brief opening.
"Nurse Joy?" Ash called lightly as he stepped forward before the line closed again.
Nurse Joy looked up and nodded, motioning him over. Ash quickly handed over his Poké Balls for a full check-up. After confirming the details, he stepped aside and glanced back.
Misty was still stuck in line, arms crossed in mild irritation. Yellow, having already finished, noticed him and waved.
"So..." Yellow said once he joined her, tilting her head slightly, "are you challenging the gym today?"
She already knew the answer. With Ash's personality, it was obvious he was itching to go straight in and fight.
Ash shook his head. "No. I'll rest tonight. Tomorrow morning is the key." Yellow blinked, then smiled. "Playing it cool?"
"Exactly," Ash replied. "Less crowd, clearer head."
He immediately called home and explained his plan. Professor Oak agreed without hesitation—challenging the gym while fresh would put Ash and his Pokémon in optimal condition. With that confirmation, Yellow nodded in agreement as well.
Soon, Misty joined them, looking slightly annoyed—but that faded when they were told the next bit of news. "Only one room available," the staff informed them apologetically. Ash went quiet. He glanced at the girls. This… wasn't his call.
"It's fine," Yellow said casually, waving it off. "After all, it's Ash we're talking about." Ash's lips twitched. 'Does she even see me as a guy…?' Misty looked surprised at first, then thought about it. "…Yeah. It's Ash. It should be fine."
Ash grinned. "Thanks for believing in my character." Then he added, pointedly, "But don't put it like that. I can be manly sometimes too." Both girls froze.
Misty flushed instantly. Yellow looked away, suddenly very interested in the wall. "…That did sound weird," Misty muttered.
Yellow felt even more awkward. If Ash really pushed it… she wasn't sure she could confidently refuse. Especially when it came to him—she was weak against his character more than she liked to admit.
"Lalu~" The tension broke instantly. Ralts teleported onto Ash's shoulder, rubbing her cheeks against his with obvious affection.
"Hey there, little one," Ash chuckled.
"Pika~" Pikachu hopped up beside Ralts, chirping happily as if to announce they were done with their check-up. Ash laughed, collecting his Poké Balls. Misty returned shortly after with hers, and the three of them headed to their room.
Once inside, the girls went straight to shower. Ash, on the other hand, decided to head out and eat first—avoiding any potential awkwardness. Or at least, that was the plan. He ended up calling everyone out instead.
With Pokéblocks—nutrient jelly packed with energy—the team enjoyed their meal together. Ash ate until he was full, then headed back. By the time the girls finished showering and left to eat, Ash took his turn. Riolu followed him in without hesitation.
It quickly became clear Riolu liked cold showers.
Afterward, Ash dried Riolu off on the balcony using Butterfree's gentle Gust, the soft breeze fluttering through the open air. Night settled in.
Ash pulled out sleeping pillows they usually used while camping. The bed was for the girls. He took the sofa, settling in comfortably. Exhaustion crept up fast, and within moments, he was asleep.
Later, the girls returned quietly, moving with caution.
They froze when they saw him.
Already asleep. "Typical Ash," Misty whispered. Yellow nodded. Their confidence hadn't been misplaced after all.
They took their places, talking softly about small things—plans, battles, the strange turn their journey was taking. One by one, they fell asleep as well. Misty's Pokémon rested nearby.
Beside Yellow, Bulbasaur slept quietly, positioned protectively at her side—as if still guarding her even in her dreams. The room grew still. Tomorrow will be important.