Pokemon : Rewind

"Thank you for seeing us off, Professor Ivy," Ash said with a warm smile as he and his friends stood at the boarding gate.

"I should be the one thanking you, Ash," Professor Ivy replied, a touch of sadness in her voice but a smile on her face.

Their time in the Orange Islands had been transformative. The GS Ball was safely in her hands, and Ash's tales of the Legendary Birds and the Shamouti Island events had given her invaluable insights into Pokémon lore.

As Ash, Misty, Brock, and Tracey waved goodbye and walked toward the plane, Professor Ivy sighed softly.

With Brock leaving, her lab would feel quieter, even emptier. She would miss his meticulous cleaning, warm presence, and, of course, his cooking.

The flight from Valencia Island to Johto City was smooth, and after a night's rest, they resumed their journey to Pallet Town.

---

"Is this Pallet Town? What a wonderful place!" Tracey exclaimed as they arrived at the edge of Ash's hometown.

The view from the hill was breathtaking. The golden hues of the setting sun bathed the quaint town in a warm glow, while the rolling fields and neatly arranged homes painted a serene picture.

Tracey's artist instincts kicked in immediately, and he reached for his sketchpad to capture the idyllic scene.

"Come on, Tracey. We're almost there!" Ash chuckled, gently pulling the sketchpad away.

The journey from Johto had been long, and he was eager to get home, especially since his mom had promised to prepare his favorite dishes.

Tracey hesitated but put his sketchpad away, understanding Ash's excitement. As they walked the winding path toward town, the last rays of sunlight gave way to the soft embrace of dusk, and the familiar sights and sounds of Pallet Town surrounded them.

"That's my house!" Ash pointed excitedly toward a warmly lit home at the end of the road.

The sight of the cozy two-story house, with its neatly kept garden and welcoming glow, filled him with a sense of belonging.

"It's beautiful," Tracey said, marveling at the charm of the home. The well-tended garden, brimming with colorful flowers and vegetables, reflected Delia's loving care.

As they approached, the jingling sound of the gate's bell echoed in the cool evening air. Inside, Delia was busy preparing dinner, assisted by Mr. Mime.

Hearing the gate, Mr. Mime paused, turning toward the door.

"What is it, Mimey?" Delia asked, following its gaze. Realization dawned on her face, and she quickly wiped her hands on her apron.

"They're home!" she exclaimed, hurrying toward the door.

---

"We're back!" Ash called as he stepped inside, his voice carrying the joy of homecoming.

"Welcome home, Ash! Misty, Brock, Tracey—welcome back!" Delia greeted warmly, her face glowing with happiness.

"Pika!" Pikachu leaped off Ash's shoulder, bounding toward Delia.

"Oh, Pikachu! It's so good to see you too!" Delia knelt, scooping Pikachu into her arms and nuzzling its cheek affectionately.

"Hello, Mrs. Ketchum," Tracey said shyly, slightly overwhelmed by Delia's warm demeanor.

"You don't have to be so formal," Delia said, smiling kindly. "Thank you for looking after Ash on his journey. Dinner's almost ready. Why don't you put your things away and come back down?"

"Thanks, Mom! I can't wait to eat your cooking!" Ash grinned, leading the group upstairs to his room.

---

Ash's room was just as he had left it: simple yet filled with memories of his adventures.

"Is this the Indigo Conference Champion's trophy?" Tracey exclaimed, his eyes widening as he spotted the shiny award on Ash's desk.

"Yeah! And this…" Ash reached into his backpack and carefully pulled out the Victor's Cup from the Orange League. "This is my latest trophy."

Tracey admired the trophies, his admiration for Ash growing. "You've done so much, Ash. These trophies are incredible!"

Ash smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "I just did my best. But I think I'm going to need more space soon. I've been thinking of adding a room just for my trophies and mementos someday."

The thought of showcasing his achievements not just for himself but for future generations filled Ash with pride.

---

Back downstairs, Misty was already helping Delia in the kitchen. Brock soon joined in, eager to assist.

"Dinner's ready!" Delia announced a short while later, and everyone gathered at the table.

"Let's eat!" Ash declared enthusiastically, diving into the spread of home-cooked dishes.

The meal was filled with laughter and chatter. Delia watched Ash with a tender smile, her heart full seeing her son so happy.

---

As the plates were cleared and the evening wound down, Delia turned to Ash.

"So, when are you planning to leave again?" she asked gently, though a hint of sadness lingered in her voice.

Ash hesitated, meeting her gaze. "In about a week. I'll be heading to the Johto Region."

Delia's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly composed herself. "Then you must take this week to rest and recharge. You've earned it."

Ash nodded. "I will, Mom."

That night, as the house grew quiet, Ash lay awake in his room, reflecting on the journey that had brought him home and the new adventures that awaited.

For now, though, he embraced the comfort of being home, surrounded by those he cared about most.

_____________________

Join my Patreon for more advance chapters