Ash and his companions gathered their belongings and new captures, the weight of the island's events finally lifting as they prepared to depart. The night air was cool and calm now, stars glittering overhead like silent witnesses to the resolution of chaos.
Ash felt a deep, eager pull in his chest not toward battle or adventure this time, but toward home. Toward the woman carrying his child, and toward the others who held his heart in their own unique ways. In his polygamous life, he had always strived to give each of his partners the care, attention, and love they deserved, never letting any feel overlooked. Tonight, more than ever, he wanted to wrap them all in that warmth
With a quiet focus, Ash closed his eyes and extended his psychic senses. Blue-green energy shimmered around him and his group like a gentle cocoon. In an instant, space folded reality bending to his will and they reappeared on the familiar outskirts of Pallet Town, the soft glow of streetlights and the scent of Professor Oak's corral welcoming them back.
Sabrina stepped forward, her own psychic aura brushing lightly against his. She offered a rare, genuine smile.
"Your psychic power grows stronger every day, Ash. That teleportation... it was effortless. You're surpassing even what I once thought possible for a human."
Ash rubbed the back of his neck, a little sheepish but pleased. "Thanks, Sabrina. It's all the practice and the people who believe in me."
Misty grinned, punching his arm lightly. "Show-off."
Brock chuckled. "Just don't teleport us into a wall next time."
He paused at the front door, taking a steadying breath. Then he turned the handle and stepped inside.
The warm light of the living room greeted him first, followed by the soft scent of jasmine and vanilla her favorite. And there she stood.
Cynthia his third lover, but the first to carry his childwaited just inside the doorway. She wore a sleek, formal black dress that hugged her figure elegantly. Her long blonde hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail, a few loose strands framing her face. The Champion's usual commanding presence was softened tonight, replaced by a radiant, tender smile that lit up her entire being.
"Ash," she said, voice warm and melodic, stepping forward to meet him. "Welcome home."
"I'm back," he whispered into her hair, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "And I'm not going anywhere for a while."
"Good," Cynthia replied with a soft laugh, her hands resting on his chest. "Because the little ones in my belly have been waiting for their Daddy to come home."
Before Ash could respond, Misty's voice piped up from behind him, playful and teasing. "Mooo, Ash, you're going full daddy mode the second you walk in the door. I'm a little jealous," she said with a cute pout and a mischievous smile.
Sabrina, catching the mood, joined in smoothly. "Yes, Ash. You need to shower us with extra love tonight."
"See? They're bullying me already," Ash groaned dramatically, burying his face in Cynthia's shoulder like a spoiled child. The exaggerated whine made the other girls sweat-drop at the sudden turn of events.
While all this playful bickering unfolded, Brock stood off to the side, tears of envy streaming down his face. He was genuinely happy for Ash truly but the sight of this warm, loving family banter made his own dreams of a harem and domestic happiness sting just a little more.
At that moment, a blur shot through the hallway and landed squarely on Ash's back. He stumbled forward in surprise, then steadied himself and turned to see who it was.
Amber his adopted little sister beamed up at him with sparkling eyes.
"Big brother! Welcome home! Quick, come we're making cake! I'm helping Mom and big sis Cynthia you have to see this!" she exclaimed, grabbing his hand and tugging him toward the kitchen.
But before he could follow, a familiar psychic presence tugged at his senses. Ash felt movement inside one of his Poké Balls the Master Ball clipped to his belt. His heart skipped.
At the same time, Delia Ketchum appeared from the kitchen doorway, wiping flour-dusted hands on her apron, drawn by the sudden commotion in the hallway.
"Ash? You're home early oh!" she gasped softly as Ash lifted the Master Ball.
With a gentle flick, he released it.
Mewtwo burst forth in a flash of red light, hovering for only a heartbeat before his glowing eyes frantically scanned the room. Then they locked onto Amber.
Tears actual tears gathered in the corners of Mewtwo's eyes, shimmering like fractured amethysts.
Amber froze for a split second, wide-eyed in surprise. Then recognition dawned, and her own eyes filled instantly. "Mewtwo...?"
She didn't hesitate. With a sob of pure joy, she rushed forward and threw her arms around the Legendary's waist in a fierce hug.
"Mewtwo! Waaaaa! I'm so happy to see you again! Waaaa!" she cried, tears of happiness streaming down her cheeks as she buried her face against him.
Mewtwo's arms hesitant at first slowly wrapped around her small frame, cradling her with unexpected gentleness. For the first time in his existence, the cloned Pokémon allowed himself to feel the warmth of reunion, of family, without fear or rage.
The hallway fell quiet except for Amber's muffled sobs of joy and the soft, almost inaudible hum of Mewtwo's aura settling into something peaceful.
Delia pressed a hand to her mouth, eyes glistening. Cynthia smiled tenderly. Misty and Sabrina exchanged soft, touched glances.
Ash watched the scene with a lump in his throat, then stepped forward and placed a gentle hand on Mewtwo's shoulder.
"Welcome home, Mewtwo," he said quietly. "To all of us."
And in that simple moment, the house in Pallet Town felt fuller, warmer, and more alive than ever before.