022: Optional Kalos Siyu's Three Families!
"I'm sorry, Ash~ If your mom hadn't been so insistent about signing you up for this Pokémon Summer Camp, maybe you could have gone to the Kalos Region," Delia said softly, her cheerful expression dipping into regret.
"It's fine, Mom. Really," Ash replied with a faint smile.
"I'm already happy that you signed me up with Professor Oak without questioning whether I should become a Pokémon Trainer. That's more than enough."
Ash offered the reassurance casually. Deep down, he wasn't disappointed at all about missing out on the Kalos Summer Camp hosted by Professor Sycamore. Quite the opposite he felt a quiet sense of relief. Had he gone to Kalos, he wouldn't have encountered Serena at this pivotal moment.
Who needs the experience of a foreign camp when it could cost him the chance to meet his future wife? That would be a massive net loss. As long as Ash still had control over his own actions, choosing Serena over travel was a no-brainer.
Of course, if it had been his predecessor the original Ash he might've chosen differently.
"Ash, just promise me you're not secretly resenting your mother," Delia murmured, her voice growing quiet as she held him close. "Now that you're one of those rare and gifted Psychics, you're destined to surpass even your father and grandfather."
"I'm just worried… what if I accidentally get in the way of that path? What if you fall behind because of me?"
Her words were gentle, but heavy with concern and love.
Ash let himself sink into the warmth of her arms.
"Thank you, Mom."
In that moment, his voice was full of sincerity. Though he had become Ash through reincarnation, he wasn't the true original yet Delia's boundless affection had wrapped around his new self so naturally, it stirred deep emotions.
Guilt mingled with gratitude. In his previous life, as an orphan, he'd never known what it felt like to be cared for like this to be loved unconditionally. In this world, as Ash, he'd been given a second chance to feel the warmth of a family.
"I promise I'll become a true Pokémon Master stronger than anyone, and I'll never let down your faith in me."
Ash wasn't just speaking to Delia, but also to the Ash who no longer existed the one whose identity he now carried.
"Come on, don't be so formal with your mom," Delia chuckled softly, ruffling his hair. "There's no need for 'thank yous' in a family, okay?"
"Hm" Ash blinked back the dampness in his eyes and nodded firmly.
At the same time, he made a firm decision: once he officially started his Pokémon journey, he wouldn't repeat the mistakes of his predecessor.
No more neglect. He wouldn't leave his mother lonely at home. While calling every day might be unrealistic, he'd at least make regular video calls, once every two days minimum. Every new city he visited, he'd send her a souvenir regional specialties from across Kanto.
And under no circumstances would he let things get so bad that the "Mr. Mime" from the original storyline had to show up and be adopted by Delia out of sympathy.
No.
This time, after the Pokémon Summer Camp ended and he received his first Pokémon, he would make it a priority to catch or receive a Pokémon specifically for Delia one that could protect her while also being a companion.
"If I'm going to live in this world as Ash Ketchum, then I'll not only become a stronger Trainer than he ever was but I'll be a more loving and responsible son than he ever managed to be."
His thoughts were resolved.
"By the way there's one more thing~" Delia chimed.
"This weekend's Pokémon Summer Camp is a cross-regional initiative co-sponsored by the Kanto and Kalos Leagues, organized by Professor Oak and Professor Sycamore."
"So this year, the top three students won't just get to choose one of the Kanto starter Pokémon Charmander, Bulbasaur, or Squirtle but they can also select from the Kalos Region's three starter Pokémon!"
Ash's eyes went wide.
"Wait Mom, you mean to say... the students who win top three at this Summer Camp get to choose from both sets of starter Pokémon? Including Fennekin, Chespin, and Froakie?!"
This was the first time Ash had truly lost his composure.
Up until now even learning that Serena would be attending this camp he had remained calm and collected. But this?
This was next-level.
"Yes, that's exactly what Professor Oak said. He even mentioned those names… let me think… it was… a fiery-eared fox… a green hedgehog, and something like a bubble frog?" Delia squinted, trying to recall.
"No need, Mom! I got this," Ash jumped in, eyes gleaming.
"Fennekin, Chespin, and Froakie! The Kalos Region's official starter trio."
"That's right! Oh, you really are such a clever boy." Delia beamed, reaching out to pinch his cheek again.
This time, Ash didn't hesitate. He swatted her hand away.
"Mom, please, stop pinching me. My face is already red!"
"Aw~ baa I didn't mean to! It's just Ash, you're so cute, I couldn't resist!"
Delia giggled, pressing her palms together as if pleading for forgiveness, eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Fine, fine just don't do it again, alright?" Ash rubbed his reddened cheek, narrowing his eyes.
"And Mom, are you absolutely sure you've told me everything there is to know about this Pokémon Summer Camp?"
"Hmm… let me think…" Delia tilted her head thoughtfully.
"You sure there's nothing you forgot?" Ash said, raising a suspicious brow.
"Ahaha~" Delia laughed awkwardly, scratching her cheek. "Okay, okay you caught me. There's one more thing I forgot to mention."
"When I went to Professor Oak's lab earlier to register you, he said the Kalos students selected for the Kanto camp had already boarded their flight and arrived at Saffron City International Airport this afternoon."
"At the same time, the Kanto students who signed up to attend Kalos's version of the camp flew out earlier this week."
"The Kalos kids will be taking a bus to Pallet Town tomorrow morning. Since the Summer Camp officially begins in three days, they'll be staying here for a bit beforehand."
"They'll even be assigned to live with local families here in Pallet Town for the duration."
Ash's heart skipped a beat.
That confirmed it.
Serena… would be staying here in Pallet Town. Just a stone's throw from him.
Fate was still on track.
And this time, he was ready.
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