The morning sun bathed Pallet Town in a gentle golden light as Ash and the girls made their way back from Professor Oak's lab. The excitement of the victory party still lingered in the air, but the mood had shifted after Brock's departure.
The group walked in comfortable silence for most of the way, each lost in their own thoughts about their friend who had just set off toward Fuchsia City.
When they reached the Ketchum house, Delia was waiting at the door with a warm smile. Cynthia stood beside her, one hand resting gently on her small baby bump, looking relaxed and content.
"Welcome back," Delia said cheerfully. Then she glanced behind Ash and tilted her head. "Where's Brock? I thought he was coming back with you for lunch."
Ash rubbed the back of his neck, giving a small, understanding smile.
"He got a call from his dad," Ash explained. "His father arranged for him to meet Lucy in Fuchsia City. Brock decided it was time to stop putting it off. He's gone to see her."
Delia's expression softened with a touch of sadness. She had grown quite fond of Brock over the year he had practically become a second son to her.
"Oh… I see," she said quietly, a little wistful. "He's been with you since the very beginning. It feels strange not having him around." She sighed softly, then nodded with motherly acceptance.
"But if it's for his happiness, then it's the right thing. I hope it goes well for him and Lucy."
Cynthia smiled gently, placing a hand on Delia's shoulder. "He'll be back. Friends like Brock always find their way home."
Ash nodded. "Yeah. He promised to visit soon."
Delia clapped her hands, pushing away the momentary sadness with her usual bright energy. "Well then! No time to mope. You four have a trip to the Orange Islands to prepare for. Come on let's get your gear ready."
Misty, Sabrina, and Daisy immediately jumped in to help. The kitchen and living room turned into a flurry of activity backpacks being packed with clothes, potions, food supplies, camping gear, and extra Poké Balls.
Delia moved efficiently, checking everything twice and making sure they had enough snacks and medicines. Cynthia helped where she could, folding clothes and offering quiet advice while resting on the couch.
Ash, however, took a moment for himself.
He settled onto the living room couch, leaning back with a tired but satisfied sigh. The house was filled with the comforting sounds of the girls chatting and laughing with his mom. Pikachu curled up on his lap, Eevee sleeping beside him, while Togepi played with Clefairy nearby.
Ash closed his eyes for a second, then opened them with a focused look.
"System," he murmured softly.
A familiar blue screen materialized in front of him, visible only to his eyes.
He began reviewing every reward he had earned during the entire Kanto League journey.
[Ding! Chain Mission Completed: Indigo Plateau Conference]
Mission Details: Use only ONE Pokémon per match to challenge and defeat your opponent's entire team in the preliminary rounds.
Reward: Rare Candy ×5 per successful match completion (Total: 20)
Chain Mission Exclusive Reward: Universal Mega Evolution Keystone (can Mega Evolve up to 6 Pokémon simultaneously using a single stone)
Ash smiled. The Universal Mega Evolution Keystone was incredibly powerful one stone to Mega Evolve multiple Pokémon at once. That would change battles dramatically in the future.
[Ding! Mission Completed: Win Against Your Own "Temu" Version]
Reward: Lugia's Egg (from an alternate universe) Stored in system inventory.
A Legendary Lugia egg. Ash's was very egar to welcome the little one to the world. He could already imagine raising the Guardian of the Seas.
[Ding! Hidden Mission Completed: Win Against Brendan Birch]
Reward: Hoenn Starters Mega Evolution Stones (Sceptilite, Swampertite, Blazikenite)
Three powerful Mega Stones for the Hoenn starters. Ash could already picture giving them to future team members or trading with friends.
[Ding! Hidden Mission Completed: Defeat Gary Oak]
Reward: Truth Orb
The Truth Orb a mysterious item that could reveal hidden truths or enhance perception. Ash stored it carefully in his inventory.
[Ding! Mission triggered: Rank higher than Gary in the Indigo Plateau Conference and prove who's superior.]
Reward: Potential Enhancement Ribbon (Bronze) raises a Pokémon's potential by one level (below Elite tier). Intermediate Rare Candy ×3 raises Pokémon below Lv. 50 by one level.
Ash grinned. The bronze ribbon and candies would be perfect for strengthening his younger Pokémon.
[Ding! Mission Completed: Humble the Rich Kid]
Reward: Dragonite Mega Stone ×2
Two Dragonite Mega Stones. Ash's eyes sparkled. His Dragonite pair would become absolute monsters once they could Mega Evolve.
[Ding! Main Mission Triggered: The Strongest Rookie in the Kanto Indigo Plateau Conference]
Please win the championship as a Rookie in the Kanto Indigo Plateau Conference. Mission Reward:
Hidden Ability Effect Modification Scroll (for pikachu)
Advanced Rare Candy ×2 (Pokémon below Lv70 can be upgraded by 1 level) Intermediate Rare Candy ×5 (Pokémon below Lv50 can be upgraded by 1 level)
Potential Enhancement Ribbon (Gold) – Pokémon above Champion level can increase their potential by 1 level after use.
Ash leaned back on the couch, a satisfied grin spreading across his face.
He had gained an incredible amount of power and resources from the league. The Universal Mega Keystone alone was game-changing. The Lugia egg, multiple Mega Stones, Rare Candies, Potential Ribbons, and the Truth Orb all of it would shape his future team and adventures.
He opened his inventory and stared at the glowing Lugia egg for a long moment.
"Soon," he whispered. "You'll have a home with us."
Pikachu looked up at him curiously. "Pika?"
Ash chuckled and scratched behind Pikachu's ears. "Just thinking about the future, buddy. We've come a long way… and we're only getting started."
From the kitchen, Misty called out, "Ash! Come help us pack the snacks before you zone out!"
Ash stood up with a laugh, closing the system screen.
"Coming!"
As he joined the girls, Delia gave him a warm smile, and Cynthia looked at him with quiet pride. Daisy blushed when their eyes met, still getting used to her new place in the family. Giselle stood awkwardly in the corner, still trying to process everything.
Ash looked at all of them his family, his team, his future.
The Orange Islands were waiting.
But for now, in this quiet moment before the next journey, Ash allowed himself to feel grateful for every reward, every battle, and every person who had helped him reach this point.
He was ready.