The moon hung high over Pallet Town, silver light spilling across Professor Oak's sprawling backyard. The victory party had mellowed from its earlier frenzy into a warm, golden hum soft music drifting from speakers, laughter bubbling in small groups, fireflies blinking like living stars. Tables still held half-eaten plates of Delia's rice balls and berry pies, but most people had settled into quiet conversations or slow dances on the grass.
Ash sat on a low wooden bench near the edge of the yard half-hidden by a flowering tree surrounded by the four women who now made up the beating heart of his world.
Misty curled against his left side, head resting on his shoulder, red hair tickling his neck. Her hand rested possessively on his thigh, fingers tracing lazy circles.
Sabrina leaned into his right side her usual calm composure softened into something almost sleepy, violet eyes half-lidded as she nuzzled his collarbone.
Cynthia sat on the grass in front of him, back against his legs, her head tilted back so she could look up at him one hand resting on the gentle swell of her stomach, the other intertwined with his.
And Daisy newly confessed, newly accepted sat cross-legged between his knees, back pressed to his chest, his arms wrapped around her waist. Her face was still flushed from their kiss earlier, eyes shining every time she glanced up at him.
None of them spoke much. They didn't need to.
Ash rested his chin on Daisy's head, breathing in the faint floral scent of her shampoo. His thumbs brushed slow circles over her stomach through her sundress. Every few seconds he pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head, or to Misty's temple, or to Sabrina's hair, or leaned down to brush his lips against Cynthia's forehead. It was quiet, intimate, perfect.
He was in bliss.
He didn't notice the soft footsteps approaching.
Delia Ketchum stepped around the flowering bush carrying a tray of fresh juice glasses and froze.
Her son sat surrounded by four women all pressed close, all touching him with open affection, all looking at him with the same soft, adoring light in their eyes. Misty's hand on his thigh. Sabrina's head on his shoulder. Cynthia's back against his legs. Daisy nestled in his arms like she belonged there.
Delia's eyes widened for half a second then softened. A warm, knowing smile spread across her face. She saw the way Ash's arms tightened around Daisy protectively. Saw the gentle way he kissed each of them. Saw the peace in his expression the kind of peace only love could bring.
She giggled softly hand over her mouth eyes sparkling.
Four daughter-in-laws… and one on the way, she thought fondly. My boy really doesn't do anything halfway.
She backed away quietly tray still in hand leaving them undisturbed. In her heart she already accepted Daisy as the fourth no questions, no hesitation. If Ash loved her, that was enough.
Ash oblivious sighed happily, tightening his hold on all four of them.
"This… this is perfect," he murmured.
Misty nuzzled his neck. "You earned it, Champion."
Sabrina's fingers laced with his. "We're so proud."
Cynthia tilted her head back, smiling up at him. "Always."
Daisy turned in his arms looking up at him with shining eyes. "I'm so happy… I still can't believe this is real."
Ash kissed her forehead. "Believe it. You're mine now."
They stayed like that tangled together until the music slowed and the party began to wind down.
Eventually reluctantly Ash stood, offering hands to help them up. "Come on. Professor Oak's been asking for me."
They walked back toward the main area hands linked, laughing softly.
Professor Oak spotted him immediately waving him over to a quieter corner near the lab porch. The old man's eyes were bright with curiosity and pride.
"Ash, my boy! Come here I've been dying to talk to you properly."
Ash smiled letting the girls settle nearby with juice glasses while he stepped closer.
Oak's voice dropped to an excited whisper. "The legendary bird trio Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres… how? When? What kind of nutrition regimen are you using? Their power output on the broadcast was off the charts! I need details!"
Ash chuckled. "We'll talk privately, Professor. Promise. But right now… I wanted to ask you something."
Oak blinked curiosity piqued. "Go on."
Ash's expression turned serious. "I'm planning a short vacation Orange Islands, with the girls. After that… I'll challenge the Elite Four. But before any of that, I need something."
Oak raised an eyebrow. "Name it."
"I want a private island. Uninhabited, near Pallet Town if possible. I need it for my Pokémon a safe, private hub where they can roam freely, train without eyes on them. I've got the money the Pokémon food factory channels are bringing in millions. I just need the paperwork and approval from the Kanto Pokémon Authority."
Oak stared then broke into a huge grin. "A private island? Bold! But… smart. With three legendaries and that kind of team… you're right to want privacy."
He clapped Ash on the shoulder eyes serious now.
"I'll handle it. I've got connections. We'll find you something close maybe one of the small chain islands off Route 21. I'll push the paperwork through. You'll have your haven."
Ash nodded grateful. "Thank you, Professor."
Oak's grin returned but his eyes turned sharp, grandfatherly.
"And one more thing."
He leaned in close voice low.
"Take good care of my granddaughter, Ash."
Ash blinked startled. "Professor…?"
Oak patted his shoulder firm, warm. "Daisy. I see the way she looks at you. The way you look at her. Don't waste time, boy. Make her happy."
He stepped back winking. "Now go enjoy your party. We'll talk islands and legendaries later."
Ash stood there stunned then smiled softly.
Grandfathers really do know everything.
He glanced back toward the girls Daisy laughing with Misty, Sabrina and Cynthia watching her with warm smiles.
His family.
His future.
He walked back to them heart full ready for whatever came next.