The winding dirt road from Viridian City to Pallet Town had never felt shorter or longer depending on who you asked.
Ash Ketchum walked at the front of the small group, the Indigo League trophy cradled carefully in one arm like it was made of glass instead of gold and crystal. Pikachu rode on his left shoulder, tail swishing proudly. Eevee trotted on his right, silver fur catching the late-afternoon sun.
Misty walked on his left, arm looped through his, grinning so wide her cheeks hurt while togepi was in her pouch singing her name like a happy song. Sabrina walked on his right, hand clasped in his, her usual calm expression softened by a quiet, glowing happiness. Brock brought up the rear, humming a cheerful tune while writing an vivid cheezy story in a booklet with dreamy smile.
The air smelled of wildflowers, fresh earth, and distant barbecue smoke.
As they crested the final hill, Pallet Town came into view and the entire town had turned into a festival.
Banners stretched across every street:
"WELCOME HOME, CHAMPION ASH!"
"PALLET PRIDE – INDIGO CHAMPION!"
"ASH KETCHUM – FIRST ROOKIE CHAMPION!"
Colorful streamers fluttered from every lamppost and rooftop. Tables lined the main road, piled high with food Professor Oak's famous berry pies, Delia's special rice balls, fresh grilled Pokémon-safe meat skewers, and gallons of fresh-squeezed juice. Kids ran around waving handmade signs and tiny paper Pikachu flags. Adults stood on porches, clapping and cheering the moment they spotted the group.
The moment Ash stepped into town limits, the cheers erupted like a tidal wave.
"ASH IS BACK!"
"CHAMPION ASH!"
"WE LOVE YOU, ASH!"
People poured out of houses, shops, and the Pokémon Lab waving, shouting, throwing confetti. A group of children ran up to him, eyes sparkling, begging to touch the trophy. Ash knelt down, letting them run their fingers over the crystal, smiling gently.
"Thank you, everyone," he said, voice calm but carrying over the noise. "I'm home."
Misty squeezed his arm, whispering, "Look at them… they're so proud of you."
Sabrina's fingers tightened in his. "You deserve this."
Brock laughed, wiping his eyes. "I'm getting emotional just watching this."
They walked slowly through town Ash greeting everyone by name, shaking hands, hugging old neighbors, ruffling kids' hair. The trophy passed from hand to hand, everyone wanting a picture, a touch, a memory of the day Pallet Town's son became Champion.
When they finally reached the Ketchum house, the front door flew open before Ash even reached the porch.
A tiny rocket missile launched itself at him.
"BIG BROTHER!!!"
Amber pigtails flying, eyes shining with tears of joy threw herself at Ash. He caught her easily, laughing as she wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed tight.
"I missed you so much!" she cried, burying her face in his shoulder.
Ash rubbed her head affectionately, kissing the top of her head. "I missed you too, squirt. Look I brought you something shiny."
He lifted the trophy. Amber's eyes went wide.
"Is that… the real one?!"
"The real one," Ash confirmed, letting her touch it.
From the doorway, three figures watched.
Delia Ketchum stood in the center apron still on, eyes shining with tears, smile so wide it hurt. She stepped forward, arms open. "My baby… my Champion…"
Ash set Amber down and walked into his mother's embrace. Delia hugged him fiercely, rocking him like he was still five years old. "I'm so proud of you… so, so proud…"
Behind her stood Cynthia no disguise this time. She wore a simple sundress, hair loose, looking radiant and pregnant and so happy it stole Ash's breath. She stepped forward when Delia released him, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Welcome home, my love," she whispered, voice thick with emotion. She kissed him softly lingering, full of pride and love.
Ash kissed her back, one hand resting gently on her stomach. "I missed you… both of you."
And finally Daisy Oak.
She stood just inside the doorway, trying (and failing) to look casual. Her hands were clasped in front of her, cheeks flushed pink, eyes shining with barely contained excitement. When Ash looked at her, her breath caught. She tried to smile normally but it came out wobbly, full of everything she hadn't said yet.
Ash walked over to her slow, deliberate.
"Daisy…"
She swallowed hard. "You… you did it. Champion."
He smiled soft, warm. "Yeah. I did."
For a moment they just looked at each other the air thick with unspoken things.
Then Misty and Sabrina stepped up beside him. They shared a quick glance eyes flicking to Daisy then to Cynthia then back to Ash.
Misty gave a small nod. Sabrina's lips curved in a knowing smile.
Cynthia's eyes sparkled she understood perfectly.
A silent agreement passed between the three women: We need to talk to her. Soon.
Delia clapped her hands, breaking the moment. "Enough standing around! I've prepared a feast! Come inside all of you!"
The group filed into the house laughter, chatter, the smell of Delia's cooking filling the air. Ash's favorite dishes covered every surface: rice balls, grilled fish, fresh salads, berry pies, and a massive chocolate cake with "Champion Ash" written in frosting.
Amber ran around showing off the trophy to Mew, Mewtwo, and Clefairy who had been left in her care while Ash was away. Mewtwo lounged in the corner, arms crossed, but his eyes softened when Ash walked in.
You have done well, young one.
Ash smiled, bowing slightly. "Thank you, Mewtwo."
They ate together family, friends, Pokémon laughter filling the house. Brock told exaggerated stories about the league. Misty and Sabrina teased Ash about his "Champion ego." Cynthia rested a hand on her stomach, smiling quietly. Daisy sat close to Ash stealing glances, blushing every time their hands brushed.
After the meal, the group walked to Professor Oak's lab. The backyard had been transformed tables set up, streamers everywhere, a massive banner reading "PALLET TOWN WELCOMES CHAMPION ASH KETCHUM!" Music played from speakers. The entire town was there neighbors, kids, old friends.
Professor Oak spotted Ash and moved like lightning.
"Ash, my boy!" He grabbed Ash's shoulders. "When? How? The legendary bird trio Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres! How did you catch them? What nutrition regimen are you using? What kind of training? I need details!"
Daisy standing beside Ash covered her face with both hands, cheeks flaming. "Grandpa… not now…"
Ash chuckled. "We'll talk privately, Professor. I promise."
Oak blinked then relaxed. "Right, right… celebration first. Details later."
The party began in earnest music, dancing, food, laughter. Professor Oak stepped onto a small platform, raising a glass of orange juice.
"To Gary who fought to the semifinals with honor and heart!"
Cheers.
"And to Ash Ketchum the first rookie in Kanto League history to win the entire tournament on his first try! To our new Champion!"
The backyard exploded glasses raised, cheers shaking the trees.
Ash stood beside Daisy shoulder to shoulder. She looked up at him eyes shining.
"Congratulations," she whispered.
Ash smiled soft, real. "Thank you, Daisy."
Across the yard, Misty, Sabrina, and Cynthia gathered at a small table heads close together.
Misty spoke first. "She's in love with him. We all saw it."
Sabrina nodded. "Her aura… it's pure. She's not pretending. She's genuine."
Cynthia smiled gentle, warm. "Ash already cares for her deeply. I can feel it. He's ready to confess."
Misty grinned. "Then it's settled. Daisy Oak fourth member of the Ketchum harem."
Sabrina raised her juice glass. "To the Ketchum family. To our husband. To our sister-wife Daisy."
They clinked glasses laughing softly.
Across the yard, Daisy sneezed suddenly rubbing her nose. "Weird… someone's talking about me."
She looked around and froze.
Ash was leaning against a tree watching her expression soft, satisfied, full of something deep and unspoken.
Their eyes met.
Daisy's heart slammed against her ribs.
She took a deep breath squared her shoulders and walked toward him.
Ready.