Chapter Text
Ash Ketchum, the newly crowned World Champion, was finally enjoying some well-deserved rest in his hometown of Pallet Town. After traveling across regions, facing countless battles, and finally defeating Leon, he had decided it was time for a break. Delia, his mother, was overjoyed to have her son home again, and Pikachu, his ever-loyal partner, was also thrilled to spend peaceful days together.
The morning sun shone brightly through the kitchen window as Ash sat at the dining table, lazily munching on a sandwich. Pikachu was happily nibbling on berries beside him when a gentle knock came at the door. Mr. Mime, ever the helpful Pokémon, answered it, revealing a mailman holding a crisp white envelope.
"A letter for you, Ash!" Delia called out cheerfully.
Ash stood up, curious. The envelope bore an official seal of the Pokémon Contest Association. Opening it, he found a letter inviting him to be a special guest judge for the upcoming Kanto Grand Festival. He was surprised but not entirely sure how to feel.
"A special guest judge, huh?" Ash muttered, rubbing the back of his head. "I thought I’d finally get a break from all the work..."
Pikachu tilted his head. "Pika?"
"I mean, it’s great, but I was looking forward to just relaxing here," Ash continued, dropping himself onto the living room couch with a sigh. "I was thinking about going fishing with you, hanging out with my Pokémon, and just doing nothing."
Delia chuckled softly as she watched her son. "Well, Ash, you are a World Champion now. People are going to want you around. But it’s up to you if you want to accept it."
Ash nodded but still seemed unsure. "Maybe I should think about it."
He grabbed the TV remote and began flicking through channels, trying to distract himself. He went past a few shows, a Pokémon battle replay, and then stopped when he saw something familiar — a Contest performance.
"Welcome back to the Kanto Contest Circuit highlights!" the announcer's voice blared. "And now, our next performance… Serena!"
Ash’s heart skipped a beat. Serena? His eyes widened as the camera focused on a familiar, radiant face. Serena gracefully walked onto the stage, her outfit sparkling under the lights.
Her Delphox stood tall and elegant, flames dancing gently on its wand, while her Altaria hovered above, its cotton-like wings shimmering in a soft, radiant glow. The performance began with Altaria using Mist, creating a soft, ethereal fog over the stage. Delphox then used Fire Spin, its flames spiraling gracefully, blending into the mist, creating a mesmerizing display of glowing, swirling embers.
Serena called out, "Altaria, Moonblast!" The glowing orb formed and burst, scattering radiant sparkles that danced around the fiery mist. Delphox followed with Mystical Fire, the pinkish flames merging with the sparkles, forming a brilliant, colorful spectacle.
As the mist cleared, Altaria gracefully soared, using Dragon Pulse, the beam weaving around the fiery lights. Delphox's Flamethrower wrapped around the Dragon Pulse, creating a beautiful fusion of fire and light.
The performance ended with Altaria landing gracefully beside Delphox, both Pokémon bowing elegantly. Serena smiled brightly, her graceful bow met with roaring applause.
Ash watched, completely entranced, his heart racing with awe and something deeper.
Just then, Mr. Mime stepped in front of the TV, gently cleaning the screen, breaking Ash out of his trance.
"Mr. Mime!" Ash laughed, but his heart was still pounding. He stood up, gripping the invitation letter. "I… I have to go. I have to accept this invitation."
Delia, who had been quietly watching from the kitchen doorway, smiled warmly. "It seems like you’ve made up your mind, Ash."
Pikachu’s cheeks sparked with excitement. "Pika-pika!"
Ash nodded confidently. "Yeah, I’m going to the Kanto Grand Festival. I’m going to see Serena again!"
To be continued.....